Description
A delightful and refreshing green bean and farro picnic salad, perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, and make-ahead meals. This salad features chewy farro, crisp-tender green beans, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a bright lemon-herb dressing.
Ingredients
1 cup semi-pearled farro, rinsed
1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Farro: In a medium pot, bring 6 cups of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rinsed farro and cook for 20-30 minutes, or according to package directions, until tender but still chewy. Drain thoroughly and spread the cooked farro on a baking sheet to cool completely.
Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans: While the farro cooks, prepare a large bowl of ice water. Bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender and bright green. Immediately transfer them to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain well and pat dry. Cut into 1-inch pieces if not already done.
Step 3: Prepare Remaining Vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes. Finely chop the red onion and fresh parsley.
Step 4: Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled farro, blanched green beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped red onion.
Step 6: Dress and Toss: Pour the prepared lemon-herb dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Step 7: Add Herbs and Chill: Stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Cover the green bean and farro picnic salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably a few hours, to allow the flavors to meld. Give it another gentle toss before serving.
Notes
For best flavor, allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. You can easily add grilled chicken, feta cheese, or toasted nuts for added protein and crunch. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sides & Salads
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg